Real-time credit between electronic gaming machines using mobile text messages

ABSTRACT

A method for funding wagering on an electronic gaming machine includes receiving information from a text message, determining an electronic gaming machine designated by the information, determining a funding action designated by the information, executing the funding action, and updating the available funds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The funding action is associated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The information includes message content and a destination number.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gaming systems, machines, andmethods used to provide wagering games, and, more particularly, toreal-time credit between electronic gaming machines using mobile textmessages.

BACKGROUND

Gaming systems, machines, and methods used to provide wagering games maybe electronically implemented by mechanisms akin to traditional slotmachines. These may be referred to as “slot machines” because theycommonly show the result of a wager by displaying reels of symbols orempty spaces, and indicating a payout based on particular alignments orcombinations of the symbols or empty spaces. In an electronic slotmachine, the results may be determined by generating a random number toselect a payout from a set or range of possible payouts.

Gaming systems, machines, and methods used to provide wagering games maybe electronically implemented by instant lottery systems. These may bereferred to as “video lottery” systems because they commonly show theresult of a play in the lottery game on a video display device at theplayer terminal. In an electronic lottery gaming system, the results maybe identified by a set of electronic lottery records. The set ofelectronic lottery records may be analogous to a set of printed paperlottery game tickets. Individual lottery game play records may beassigned from the set of electronic lottery game play records in somerandom order in response to requests for plays in the lottery game. Theresult defined by an assigned electronic lottery game play record may bedisplayed at an electronic lottery player station rather than on aprinted lottery ticket. As in traditional paper lotteries, the rules bywhich the set of lottery records is created for an electronic lotterygame determines the overall prize distribution for the game. Forexample, an electronic lottery game set may include one million records,with one record associated with the top prize, ten records associatedwith a next highest prize, and so forth throughout all of the potentialresults available in the lottery game set.

Gaming systems, machines, and methods used to provide wagering games maybe electronically implemented by predetermined cards or displays andinclude a number of designations randomly arranged in a grid, matrix, orother layout of locations. The may be referred to as “bingo” systems.The game board or display may be represented by a data structure whichdefines a representation having various card or display locations anddesignations associated with the locations. For example, in atraditional bingo game sequence, a number of the predetermined bingocards are first sold for a particular bingo game. After the sale ofbingo cards is closed for a given game, designations are randomlyselected from a pool of available designations and matched to thedesignations on each bingo card that is in play in the bingo game. Thismatching of bingo designations randomly selected for a game and bingodesignations associated with a bingo card in play in the game may bereferred to as daubing the card.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a method for funding wagering on an electronic gamingmachine includes receiving information from a text message, determiningan electronic gaming machine designated by the information, determininga funding action designated by the information, executing the fundingaction, and updating the available funds for wagering on the electronicgaming machine. The funding action is associated with funds availablefor wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The information includesmessage content and a destination number.

In another embodiment, a system for casino wagering includes one or moreservers communicatively coupled to one or more electronic gamingmachines and to a mobile service provider and a processor on one of theservers coupled to a memory. The memory contains instructions forcausing the processor to receive information from a text message,determine an electronic gaming machine from the one or more electronicgaming machines designated by the information, determine a fundingaction designated by the information, execute the funding action, andupdate the available funds for wagering on the electronic gamingmachine. The funding action is associated with funds available forwagering on the electronic gaming machine. The information includesmessage content and a destination number.

In yet another embodiment, an article of manufacture includes a computerreadable medium and computer-executable instructions carried on thecomputer readable medium. The instructions are readable by a processor.The instructions, when read and executed, cause the processor to receiveinformation from a text message, determine an electronic gaming machinedesignated by the information, determine a funding action designated bythe information, execute the funding action, and update the availablefunds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The funding actionis associated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gamingmachine. The information includes message content and a destinationnumber.

In still yet another embodiment, an electronic gaming machine includes adisplay, one or more input controls, a memory, a processor coupled tothe memory, and displayed instructions for obtaining free credits forwagering game play. The instructions comprising an identifier to be sentto a number via a text message. The memory contains computerinstructions for causing the processor to receive commands to providefree credits for wagering game play, display the free credits to a userof the electronic gaming machine, determine a wager made on theelectronic gaming machine through the input controls, deduct one or moreof the free credits in response to the wager, and show a wagering gameon the display in response to the wager. The commands originate from atext message sent according to the displayed instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and itsfeatures and advantages, reference is now made to the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an example and embodiment of a system for providing real timecredits between an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) and a mobile deviceusing text messages;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed illustration of the operation of an EGM incommunication with casino server;

FIG. 3 is a further illustration of the operation of a text-to-EGMserver and sources of funding;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example method for handling real-timecredit requests for an EGM via mobile device communications;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example method for handling real-timecredit requests for an EGM via mobile device communications forpromotional game play;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example method for handling real-timecredit requests for an EGM via mobile device communications for fundinggame play from a funding source; and

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example method for handling real-timerefund requests for an EGM via mobile device communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an example and embodiment of a system 100 for providing realtime credits between an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) and a mobiledevice using text messages. System 100 may include a mobile device 102in communication with a casino gaming system 104 through a text-to-EGMserver 122 to provide funding operations of casino wagering machines.Mobile device 102 may be configured to transmit text messages or othersignals regarding EGM funding to text-to-EGM server 122 for use withsystem 104 or to receive text messages or other signals regarding EGMfunding from text-to-EGM server 122. Communications between mobiledevice 102 and text-to-EGM server may include text messages or othersuitable data for transmitting information between mobile device 102 andtext-to-EGM server. For example, mobile device and system 104 maycommunicate using short message system (“SMS”) text messages.

Mobile device 102 may be implemented in any suitable electronic devicefor implementing the functionality of the disclosure as describedherein. For example, mobile device 102 may be implemented by a cellphone, smartphone, tablet, or any other suitable electronic deviceconfigured to communicate through a mobile network configured forcommunicating with system 104.

System 104 may include any casino or wagering system configured toprovide wagering or casino games on devices such as EGMs to a user. Sucha user may be a user of mobile device 102. System 104 may include acasino or wagering system located at a particular casino. System 104 mayinclude a casino server 110 communicatively coupled to one or more EGMs106, 108. EGMs 106, 108 may include any suitable electronic device forproviding wagering or casino game play, such as a slot machine, videopoker machine, bingo machine, or lottery machine. Casino server 110 maybe configured to communicate with text-to-EGM server in order to receiveinformation sent via text messages from mobile device 102. Casino server110 may be configured to communicate with EGMs 106, 108 in order toprovide funding information to EGMs 106, 108. Casino server 110 may beconfigured to receive information regarding game play conducted uponEGMs 106, 108. Each EGM 106, 108 may contain an identifier 107.Identifier 107 may be displayed to a user of the EGM and/or may beidentified internally to the EGM 106, 108. Identifier 107 may indicatean identification of the casino in which the EGM is located and/or anidentification of the EGM within the casino.

The user of system 100 may use mobile device 102 to fund game play onEGMs 106, 108 by sending a message to system 104 through SMS gatewayprovider 116 and text-to-EGM server 122. Such a message may beimplemented in, for example, a text message sent to a particular phonenumber. For example, a user may place a text message on mobile device102 to fund game play on an EGM 106, 108 with complimentary orpromotional credits. In another example, a user of mobile device 102 maysend a message to system 104 through SMS gateway provider 116 andtext-to-EGM server 122 for funding game play on an EGM 106, 108 whereinthe funding is provided by an account linked to the user of mobiledevice 102. In either such example, casino server 110 may be configuredto add credits for game play to a particular EGM 106, 108 at which theuser of mobile device 102 wishes to play and has identified in a textmessage. In yet another example, the user of mobile device 102 may senda message to system 104 through SMS gateway provider 116 and text-to-EGMserver 122 to cash out or refund unplayed credits from an EGM 106, 108.In such an example, casino server 110 may be configured to refundunplayed credits on the EGM 106, 108 and return them to the user ofmobile device 102. Casino server 110 may be configured to refundunplayed credits to the user of mobile device 102 in any suitablemanner; for example, credits may be refunded by issuing a ticketvoucher, tokens, or returning money to a funding source.

In order to facilitate communication between mobile device 102 andtext-to-message server 122 or system 104, any suitable communicationmechanisms may be used. For example, a mobile service carrier associatedwith mobile device 102 may be used to send or relay text messagesbetween mobile device 102 and text-to-message server 122 or system 104.Such communication mechanisms may be encrypted.

Mobile device 102 may be configured to send wireless messages to awireless network station, such as a base station or wireless accesspoint. service station 112. Wireless service station 112 may beconfigured to send and receive messages such as text messages withmobile device 102. Station 112 may be configured to relay information toor from mobile device over a mobile service backbone network 114.Network 114 may be implemented in any suitable fashion and may includeone or more subnetworks. Station 112 may be configured to use network114 to send and receive SMS text messages to and from SMS gatewayprovider 116.

SMS gateway provider 116 may be implemented by any suitable combinationof devices, services, or networks configured to translate text messagesand communications over a data network. For example, SMS gatewayprovider 116 may be configured to receive a SMS text message fromstation 112 originating from mobile device 102 and translate the SMStext message into one or more TCP/IP data packets and forward them alonga network 118. SMS gateway provider 116 may be configured to receivedata packets from network 118 and translate such packets into textmessages which may then be forwarded to station 112 to be sent to mobiledevice 102.

SMS gateway provider 116 may be communicatively coupled through network118 to text-to-EGM server 122. SMS gateway provider 116 may beconfigured to send data packets to text-to-EGM server 122 representingtexts originating from mobile device 102. Text-to-EGM server 122 may beconfigured to receive such packets and to send packets representative ofmessages from system 104 to SMS gateway provider 116 to be translatedinto text messages to mobile device 102. Text-to-EGM server 122 may beimplemented by any suitable mechanism, including one or more servers,electronic machines, computers, or other systems suitable for carryingout the functionality described herein. Text-to-EGM server 122 may becommunicatively coupled to system 104. Text-to-EGM server 122 mayservice requests to and from system 104 through casino server 110.Text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to handle requests to many suchsystems similar to system 104. Text-to-EGM server 122 may be configuredto communicate with such system 104 through a network 126.

Text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to handle communications withmobile device 102, system 104, as well as other entities for providingfunding and defunding activities. For example, text-to-EGM server 122may be configured to handle text messages received from mobile device102 for obtaining promotional credits for play on an EGM in system 104.In another example, text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to handlefunding requests received from mobile device 102 for funding game playon an EGM of system 104, wherein the funding is provided by an accountwithin a funding institution 120. Text-to-EGM server 122 may becommunicatively coupled to funding institution 120 for verifying anavailable source of funds for which wagering game play may be funded,such as account 304 as shown in FIG. 3. In yet another example,text-to-EGM server 122 may be configured to handle requests for mobiledevice 102 for funding game play on system 104 through an account 306with mobile service provider 124. Text-to-EGM server 122 may becommunicatively coupled with mobile service provider 124. Text-to-EGMserver 122 may be configured to request permission from mobile serviceprovider 124 to charge an account associated with mobile device 102 forvarious game play funding requests. Text-to-EGM server 122 may beconfigured to receive funding requests from mobile service provider 124.In such a case, mobile device 102 may have issued a funding requestdirectly to mobile service provider 124 to fund game play on an EGM ofsystem 104.

Funding institution 120 may include any suitable combination of servers,electronic devices or networks provided by an institution configured toprovide funding or receive funding from outside parties. Such a fundinginstitution 120 may include, for example, a bank, a credit cardprovider, credit union, online electronic account, or any other suitablesource of providing funds to system 104 for wagering funds. Fundinginstitution 120 may be configured to receive a request, validatecredentials or permissions, and provide funds to text-to-EGM server 122.Funding institution 120 may be configured to receive funds from system104 through text-to-EGM server 122. Such credits or funds may representunplayed credits from system 104.

Mobile service provider 124 may include electronic devices, servers, ornetworks for any suitable provider of mobile service for mobile devicessuch as mobile device 102. Mobile service provider 124 may containaccounts for various users of a mobile service such as a user of mobiledevice 102. Mobile service provider 124 may be configured to acceptbilling to the account of a user of a mobile device such as mobiledevice 102 upon requests from entities such as text-to-EGM server 122 orfrom mobile device 102 itself. Mobile service provider 124 may beconfigured to receive refunds of funds and store such funds in theaccount associated with the user. Such funds may be received from, forexample, text-to-EGM server 122. Such funds may represent unplayedcredits from wagering activities in system 104.

In operation, the user of mobile device 102 may send a message such as atext message to obtain funding for wagering game play on EGMs such asEGM 106 or EGM 108 on system 104. Mobile device 102 may send a textmessage containing a funding request to station 112 which may relay sucha request over network 114 to SMS gateway provider 116. SMS gatewayprovider 116 may translate the request and communicate the request overnetwork 118 to text-to-EGM server 122. The request may contain anidentifier 107 of the individual EGM on which funding is requested.Identifier 107 may include information regarding the casino, location,individual gaming machines, or any other suitable identifyinginformation which may be used to designate a specific EGM or casino forwhich funding is requested.

Text-to-EGM server 122 may handle the funding request through anysuitable method. For example, text-to-EGM server 122 may access anaccount of the user in funding institution 120 to access funds for whichwagering operations on EGMs of system 104 will use. Such an account mayhave been preregistered by the user of mobile device 102. In anotherexample, text-to-EGM server 122 may access an account of the user onmobile service provider 124 to obtain such funds. Accounts may bedetermined by reference to the identity of mobile device 102 (e.g.,phone number). An operator of system 104 such as a casino may advertiseFunds may be taken from an account associated with the user and withmobile device 102 from a funding institution 120 or mobile serverprovider 124. In yet another example, the funding request may include arequest for free or promotional credits. The operator of system 104 suchas a casino may advertise an offer for free or promotional credits tothe user. The advertisement may be provided by or near an EGM and mayinclude instructions for sending text messages to fund game play on aparticular EGM. Text-to-EGM server 122 may determine whether such arequest is allowed under quotas, policies, promotional limits, or othercriteria before allowing or disallowing the promotional funding request.Text-to-EGM server 122 may send authorization to system 104 to fund gameplay on an EGM.

In the case where funds are taken from a funding institution 120 to fundgame play on system 104, the user of mobile device 102 may havepreregistered and preauthorized such a transaction through an operatorof system 104. Such a preauthorization may have identified the accountsfrom which funding may be taken. To access such an account, credentialssuch as a password, PIN, public key, or other credentials may beprovided by mobile device 102 or a user of mobile device 102 may bechecked by funding institution 120.

In one embodiment, mobile device 102 may transmit a text message throughstation 112 to mobile service provider 124 wherein the text messageindicates a request to forward a pre-specified amount of funding tosystem 104. In such an embodiment, text-to-EGM server 122 may receive afunding request from mobile service provider 124. Such a funding requestmay identify the machine in system 104 for which game play is requested.

Text-to-EGM server 122, upon verifying the availability of funds(promotional or otherwise) for which wagering may use, may communicatesuch available funds over network 126 to casino server 110. Casinoserver 110 may identify an EGM such as EGMs 106, 108, on which game playmay be conducted using the requested funds. Casino server 110 maycommunicate the available funds to the identified EGM 106, 108. Casinoserver 110 may communicate such information using any suitablemechanism, standard, or protocol. For example, casino server 110 maycommunicate such information using the slot accounting system (“SAS”)protocol or the Game-to-System (“G2S”) protocol.

The EGM that receives the funds may be configured to offer wagering orgame play with the received funds or credits. The EGM 106, 108 maydisplay the available credits to a user of the EGM. A user of the EGM106, 108 may lose, gain, or maintain the number of credits received withfunding from casino server 110. A user of EGM 106, 108 may select anoption to cash out of the EGM. The user may use, for example, a cash outoption issuing a ticket, voucher, tokens or any other suitableindication of remaining funds. The user may be able to take suchindications of available funds to another EGM 106, 108, or to a cashierto obtain currency from the available funds.

In one embodiment, a user may select to cash out of an EGM 106, 108using mobile device 102 to send a text message to casino server 110 andEGMs 106, 108. Such a request to cash out of EGM 106, 108 may include arequest to return all unwagered credits to a source of funds such asfunding institution account 120 or mobile service provider account 124.The cash out request may include a request to issue a virtual or realvoucher, ticket, or token to move such available funds from one EGM toanother. The request to cash out of EGM 106, 108 may be issued through atext message from mobile device 102 and be received by station 112,translated by SMS gateway provider 116, forwarded to text-to-EGM server122, and forwarded to casino server 110. Casino server 110 maycommunicate the request to the EGM 106, 108 upon which play is beingconducted and has been identified by the text message sent by mobiledevice 102. In another embodiment, an option may be presented to theuser at the EGM 106, 108 to cash out of the EGM and return funds to thesource of funding. For example, if a user funds game play on EGM 106with a text message instructing funding to be drawn from an account atfunding institution 120, an option may be presented to the user at EGM106 to cash out and return the funds to the account at fundinginstitution 120 from which the funds originated.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed illustration of the operation of an EGM 200 incommunication with casino server 110. EGM 200 may implement one or moreEGMs of FIG. 1 such as EGM 106, 108. EGM 200 may implement any suitablegaming or wagering machine for use in a wagering or casino environment.

EGM 200 may include a display 202. Display 202 may be configured todisplay various information to a user of EGM 200. Display 202 may alsoaccept input through a touch screen mechanism. EGM 200 may include otherI/O for accepting commands or displaying information to the user whichare not shown. To a user of EGM 200, display 202 may provide informationfor funding game play on EGM 200 by use of mobile devices such as mobiledevice 102. EGM 200 may include a processor 214 coupled to a memory 216.Memory 216 may contain logic and/or instructions for configuring EGM 200to operate in accordance to the teachings discussed herein.

In one embodiment, display 202 may provide a promotional credit message204. Promotional credit message 204 may be configured to communicate toa user of EGM 200 about options for sending a mobile device message tothe EGM 200 to receive free or promotional credits for game play. Forexample, promotional credit message 204 may instruct a user to “textGT1782 to 78654 for 100 free credits”. Such a promotional credit message204 may instruct a user about a possible identifier 212 (“GT1782”) whichmay be sent to a short code phone number 214 (“78654”) which may beinterpreted by system 100 of FIG. 1 for providing credits to EGM 200.

In another example, display 202 may be configured to display to a userof EGM 200 a funding message 206 instructing the user on how to fundgame play on EGM 200 from a pre-determined account. For example, fundingmessage 206 may instruct a user of EGM 200 to “text GT1782 to 78655 toadd 1,000 credits for $10”. Message 206 may contain an identifier 216(“GT1782”) similar to identifier 212 (“78655”) identifying a fundingaction for the EGM 200. Message 206 may include a short code phonenumber 218 similar to short code phone number 214 for which the textmessage will be sent. Message 206 may be used to instruct a user aboutany suitable source of funding that may be used to fund game play andmay be accessible by mobile device 102.

In yet another embodiment, display 202 may be configured to present acash out message 208 to a user of EGM 200 instructing the user on how tosend a text message from mobile device 102 to cash out available fundsfrom EGM 200. For example, message 208 may instruct a user to “textGT1782 to 78656 to cash out”. Message 208 may contain an identifier 220(“GT1782”) identifying the EGM 200 from which the cash out shall beconducted and a short phone code 222 (“78656”) identifying the requestedoperation.

Display 202 may contain a game presentation 210. Game presentation 210may contain any suitable combination of inputs, outputs, displays, orother suitable mechanisms for providing a casino or wagering game suchas slots, video poker, or any other suitable application.

Casino server 110 may include a record 212 of credits available at agiven EGM such as EGM 200. Casino server 110 may be communicativelycoupled to many such EGMs, and accordingly record 212 may containmultiple entries for different EGMs. Record 212 may contain fields ofinformation associated with each EGM. Such fields may include but arenot limited to the amount of promotional credits remaining at the EGM orthe amounts of regular credits available at the EGM. Such fields may beindexed by the EGM. For example, the EGM identified by the number “1782”may have twenty promotional credits and eighty regular credits remainingThe EGM identified by the number “1506” may have one hundred promotionalcredits remaining and zero regular credits remaining The EGM identifiedby the number “1611” may have zero promotional credits available andsix-hundred fifty regular credits available. The EGM identified by thenumber “0319” may have zero promotional credits remaining and onethousand regular credits remaining Casino server 110 may be configuredto update record 212 upon receipt of information from, for example, EGM200 or text-to-EGM server 122, that credits have been won, lost, orfunded. Record 212 may be implemented by any suitable mechanism,including a data structure, record, or database.

Casino server may include a processor 218 coupled to a memory 220.Memory 220 may contain logic and/or instructions for operating casinoserver 110 according to the descriptions herein.

Processors 214, 218 may comprise, for example a microprocessor,microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitryconfigured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/orprocess data. In some embodiments, processors 214, 218 may interpretand/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored inmemories 216, 220. Memories 216, 220 may be configured in part or wholeas application memory, system memory, or both. Memories 216, 220 mayinclude any system, device, or apparatus configured to hold and/or houseone or more memory modules. Each memory module may include any system,device or apparatus configured to retain program instructions and/ordata for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media).

In operation, EGM 200 may be executing a game presentation 210 andpresenting one or more messages 204, 206, 208 to prospective players. Asusers access game presentation 210 on EGM 200, EGM 200 may communicatedeposited credits, available credits, or other play information to orfrom casino server 110. Casino server 110 may thus keep track ofavailable credits for play on EGM 200. In one embodiment, the game playinformation such as the information tracked by individual entries inrecord 212 may be recorded and tracked on EGM 200. In such anembodiment, EGM 200 may communicate with casino server 110 periodically,on demand, or upon another suitable occasion to communicate availablebalances of credits to casino server 110.

Text-to-EGM server 122 may receive various funding requests originatingfrom mobile device 102. Text-to-EGM server 122 may translate suchrequests, determine whether such requests are valid, or take othersuitable actions to determine desired behavior of system 100. As part ofsuch decisions, text-to-EGM server 122 may issue various requests orcommands to casino server 110. Such requests or commands may includeinstructions for providing promotional credit funding to a particularEGM, provide regular credit funding to a particular EGM, or to cash outof an individual EGM.

Promotional credits may include any free, promotional, complimentary, orother credits for game play on a wagering or casino game which areprovided to a user to incentivize game play. Such promotional creditsare normally provided without cost to a user of EGM 200. Suchpromotional credits might not be reissued to the user of EGM 200 in theform of currency. As such, promotional credits may require specifictracking so as to avoid paying out promotional credits in the form ofcurrency to a user of EGM 200. Regular credit funding may include anyfunding arising from a user of EGM 200 accessing real funds for wageringgame play on EGM 200. For example, regular credit funding may come froma credit card account, bank account, or other such account of funds.Cash out commands may be received from a user of mobile device 102issuing a cash out request for a particular machine and handled by thesystem 100 of FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the user of EGM 200 may notice message 204 and decideto obtain free or promotional credits by sending a message from mobiledevice 102 to an indicated phone number 214. User of mobile device 102may cause mobile device 102 to send a text message with the content“GT1782” which corresponds to an identifier 212 of advertising message204, to the phone number 214 advertised in message 204. Identifier 212may include indications of EGM 200. For example, identifier 212 maycontain one or more characters identifying a casino company, location,or casino subdivision. In the example of FIG. 2, “GT” may indicate, forexample, the Green Terrace Casino. Identifier 212 may include othercharacters or symbols identifying a specific EGM at such a casino. Inthe example of FIG. 2, the number “1782” may identify the specific EGM200 at the Green Terrace Casino at which the user would like to play.

In another embodiment, the user of mobile device 102 may receive message206 and use mobile device 102 to text a message to the system 100 ofFIG. 1 to withdraw or charge funds from an account and use the funds toadd a certain number of credits for wagering play on EGM 200. User 102may text an identifier 216 to a phone number 218 to conduct such afunding operation. Such a funding operation may be handled as describedin FIG. 1. If the user of mobile device 102 previously set up an accountfrom funding institution 120 or mobile service provider 124 to beaccessible by text-to-EGM server 122, then text-to-EGM server 122 maysend regular credit funding to casino server 110.

The text message instructions displayed in message 206 may be entered bythe user of mobile device 102 and received by SMS gateway provider 116(not shown). SMS gateway provider 116 may send the funding request asdisplayed in message 206 to a suitable handling provider, network orservice. In one example, such funding requests may be funded from theusers account with mobile service provider 124 associated with mobiledevice 102. In such a case, mobile service provider 124 may receive therequest for funding, determine whether the account associated withmobile device 102 is authorized for such funding requests, and if so,charge the account the requested amount of funds. Mobile serviceprovider 124 may then communicate with text-to-EGM server 122 to informthe server that a request for funds has been made for use on aparticular EGM 200, and that the request has been funded. At a latertime, funds may be reconciled between mobile service provider 124 andtext-to-EGM server 122.

In another example, text-to-EGM server 122 may access external accountssuch as those with funding institution 120 or mobile service provider124 to determine whether a funding request from the text message frommobile device 102 will be honored.

In yet another embodiment, a user of EGM 200 may observe and conduct theinstruction provided in message 208 to send a text message to system 104to cash out of EGM 200. A user of mobile device 102 may send a textmessage such as “GT1782”, reflecting identifier provided by message 208,to a phone number provided by message 208 such as phone number 222. Themessage may be received by station 112, sent along network 114 to SMSgateway provider 116, and delivered over network 118 to text-to-EGMserver 122. Upon receipt of such a cash out request, text-to-EGM server122 may send the cash out command to casino server 110.

The identifiers and phone numbers displayed by EGM 200 may be set bycasino server 110 or any other suitable entity. The identifiers andphone numbers displayed by EGM 200 may be determined to effectparticular choices that are provided to the user of EGM 200. Identifiers212, 216, 220 may be selected to identify EGM 200. Phone numbers 214,218, 222 may be selected to identify a particular operation that isrequested upon the designated EGM 200. Any suitable combination ofidentifiers and phone numbers may be used. For example, messages 204,206, 208 may each use the same identifier, “GT1782.” Such a commonidentifier may be used to uniquely identify EGM 200 from other EGMswithin the casino or in other locations. Different phone numbers 214,218, 222 may be used to uniquely identify different possible requestedoperations by a user of EGM 200; for example, obtaining promotionalcredits, adding regular credits, or cashing out from the EGM. In variousembodiments, common phone numbers 214, 218, 222 may be used to identifyEGM 200 and each message 204, 206, 208 may use a different identifierassociated with a different operation (such as promotional funding,regular funding, or cash-out).

Upon receipt of commands, messages or instructions from text-to-EGMserver 122 casino server 110 may conduct the requested operation. In oneembodiment, casino server 110 or another suitable entity of system 100may track prior usage and current usage of promotional credits tofulfill promotional, advertising, or infinity policies selected byoperators of system 100. For example, an entity operating system 100 mayenact a policy wherein promotional credits may not be cashed out fromand EGM 200. In another example, entity operating system 100 may enact apolicy wherein a given user may only be awarded promotional credits aset number of times. Such limitations may be enforced globally on aper-user basis, upon a per-casino basis, or upon a per-EGM 200 basis.

Determining eligibility for free or promotional credits may be conductedby any suitable portion of system 100. For example, text-to-EGM server122 may be communicatively coupled to a user database 224 for trackinguser play. User database 224 may be implemented by a record, file,database or any other suitable mechanism. User database 224 may trackpromotional credits that have been granted to various users. Forexample, user database 224 may contain entries with fields foridentifying users, recording number of credits given or awarded, andlocations in which such awards were given. Upon receipt of a request forpromotional credits, text-to-EGM server 122 may access informationregarding the user of mobile device 102. Such information may beobtained from, for example, mobile service provider 124. Such an accessof information may be a condition upon which an award of free orpromotional credits may be awarded. Such information may be stored inuser database 224 for marketing or additional promotional uses.Text-to-EGM server 122 may examine user database 224 upon a request forfree or promotional credits to determine whether the new requestviolates any policies. For example, a given user may only be eligibleaccording to the policies of the casino to be awarded free credits onceper day. Text-to-EGM server 122 may determine whether credits have beenawarded to the user within the previous 24 hours or within the presentcalendar day. If so, text-to-EGM server 122 may send a reply messagenotifying the user that the user has already used all availablepromotional credits available that day. In another example, a given usermay only be eligible to be awarded free credits on a given EGM once.Text-to-EGM server 122 may determine whether or not promotional creditshave been awarded to a given user on a specific EGM in the past. If so,text-to-EGM server 122 may deny the request. Thus, if text-to-EGM server122 receives a text message from a mobile device 102 with the phonenumber “555-555-1111,” text-to-EGM server 122 may look up previousawards of promotional credits in user database 224, observe that onehundred credits had been previously awarded for EGM “GT1782,” and denythe request for free credits. On the other hand, if such a request camefrom a user on a mobile device 102 with the phone number “555-555-2222”which had not previously received free credits or promotional play onEGM “GT1782,” then text-to-EGM server 122 may send a command to casinoserver 110 instructing that promotional credits be awarded for play onthe specified EGM. Although FIG. 2 illustrates management of promotionalcredit awards as being handled by text-to-EGM server 122, such actionsmay also be conducted by, for example, casino server 110 or EGM 200.

Upon receipt of an instruction, casino server 110 may enact the commandor request received. For example, upon receiving an instruction to funda particular EGM with promotional credits, casino server may communicatesuch promotional credits to EGM 200 and update record 212 withadditional promotional credits. For example, if text-to-EGM server 122sends a funding request for EGM “1506” for one hundred promotionalcredits, casino server may contact EGM 200 corresponding to theidentifier “1506” and add one hundred promotional credits to the entryfor “1506” in record 212. In another example, casino server may receivea regular credit funding request from text-to-EGM server 122. Casinoserver 212 may communicate such credit information to EGM 200corresponding to the designated EGM. Casino server 110 may add thecredit information to record 212.

To enforce policies regarding usage of promotional credits, any suitablemechanism such as casino server 110 or EGM 200 may be used. Suchpolicies may require, for example, that all promotional credits bewagered and that no such promotional credits may be cashed out to anend-user. The policies may stipulate the order of use of promotional andregular credits such that a user with both kinds of credits may usepromotional credits to fund a next bet in additional wagers. Forexample, a user at an EGM 200 corresponding to the identifier “1782” mayhave twenty promotional credits remaining and may have eighty regularcredits remaining Such regular credits may have been obtained by, forexample, a regular credit funding action or by winning wagers placedwith promotional credits. The next bet placed by a user of the EGM 200corresponding to “1782” may be taken from promotional credits such thatnineteen promotional credits remain.

Upon a cash out command, arising either from user input at EGM 200 orfrom a command received from text-to-EGM server 122, casino server 110may refund only the remaining regular credits associated with the EGM200, and not the promotional credits associated with the EGM 200.

Casino server 110 may receive cash out commands from text-to-EGM server122. Casino server 110 may send the cash out command to EGM 200. EGM 200may dispense a voucher, marker, token, or other indication of remainingcredits to a user of EGM 200. In one embodiment, the remaining creditsmay be refunded through text-to-EGM server 122. In such a case, casinoserver 110 may zero out the available credits at the EGM 200 and sendthe remaining credits indicated in the record 212 to text-to-EGM server122. Text-to-EGM server 122 may refund the remaining credits through aprocess similar to the process used to originally fund the credits. Forexample, credits may be credited back to an account with mobile serviceprovider 124 or an account with funding institution 120.

FIG. 3 is a further illustration of the operation of text-to-EGM server122 and sources of funding such as funding institution 120 and mobileservice provider 124. Text-to-EGM server may be communicatively coupledto or contain a record 302 of available accounts for which funding maybe obtained. Record 302 may be implemented by, for example, a record,file, database or any other suitable mechanism. In one embodiment,record 302 may be implemented by user database 224 of FIG. 2.

Record 302 may contain entries based on mobile phone numbers so that,given a received text message from a mobile device 102, funding may beobtained for game play as requested in the text message. Record 302 maybe indexed by mobile numbers corresponding to phone numbers from mobiledevices 102. A user of mobile device 102 may have preregistered using acasino website or other mechanism to establish authorized accounts fromwhich funding requests may be made. For example, such accounts may bedrawn from institution 120, which may have been configured to allowaccess for funding from an account 304, or from the service provider122, which may have been configured to allow access from an account 306.Such accounts 304, 306 may include authorization or credentialinformation against which funding requests may be made.

Record 302 may record, for each mobile number, any suitable informationincluding links to or information about external accounts, previouslyobtained free or promotional plays, identification of mobile serviceprovider, or contact information.

For example, record 302 may indicate that mobile number “555-111-1111”has registered an external credit card account for funding with fundinginstitution 120 and the credit account number is “123.” Mobile number“555-111-1111” may have obtained free plays on two different EGMspreviously and may have mobile service with a provider identified as“Mobile1.” The contact information for the user of the mobile device 102may have been established by contacting Mobile1. Such a contact may havebeen made as part of a funding request or upon a pre-registrationrequest.

In operation, text at EGM server 122 may receive promotional fundingrequests or prepaid funding requests from SMS gateway provider 116.Text-to-EGM server 122 may examine record 302, contact fundinginstitution 120 and/or mobile service provider 124, and accept or denythe funding request. Text-to-EGM server 122 may relay, accept or denymessages back to SMS gateway provider 116 for delivery to mobile device102. Text-to-EGM server 122 may issue commands or instructions orrequests to casino server 110 in response to regular funding orpromotional funding requests. Promotional or regular funding requestsmay originate from a mobile device 102 sending a text message based onan instruction provided at a casino location such as displayed on ornear an EGM. Such requests may identify the mobile device making therequest, as well as the target EGM. The target EGM may be identified bya short code identifier and/or a short code phone number.

Upon receipt of a promotional funding request, text-to-EGM server 122may examine the mobile number and determine whether the mobile numberhas previously requested free play. Text-to-EGM server 122 may determinewhether such a new request will violate any specified policies regardingpromotional or free play. For example, if a message is received frommobile number “555-111-1111” for free play on the EGM identified as“GT1782,” text-to-EGM server 122 may examine record 302 and determinethat the same mobile number had previously received free play on theEGM. Based on the timing of such a previous request, text-to-EGM servermay be configured to allow or deny the new request for promotionalfunding for the designated EGM. Text-to-EGM server 122 may communicatethe acceptance or denial of play to the mobile device 102 making therequest. Such a message may be sent through SMS gateway provider 116. Ifan entry from the mobile number is not found in record 302, text-to-EGMserver may create a new entry in record 302 corresponding to the mobilenumber. Text-to-EGM server may obtain information regarding the user ofthe mobile device 102 from, for example, mobile service provider 124.Text-to-EGM server may store such user information in a field forcontact information. Later marketing or infinity program activities maybe conducted with regards to the identified player.

In response to a regular funding request, text-to-EGM server 122 may beconfigured to determine whether or not a funding source has beenestablished for the mobile number corresponding to the mobile device 102which originated the request. For example, given a request from mobilenumber “555-222-2222,” text-to-EGM server 122 may look up a recordassociated with the mobile number in record 302 and determine that themobile number is associated with a bank account of the number 456.Text-to-EGM server may contact funding institution 120 with credentialsfor accessing 456. Funding institution may compare the credentialsprovided by text-to-EGM server 122 with credentials associated with therecord for account 456 in accounts 304. The funding institution 120 mayaccept or deny the funding request based upon the authorizations, theamount of funds, credentials, or any other suitable criteria.

Text-to-EGM server may receive a funding request associated with a givenmobile number and access the service provider for the mobile number todetermine whether or not the funding request may be charged to theaccount for the mobile device 102. For example, a request from mobilenumber “555-111-1111” may be received by text-to-EGM server 122. Themobile service provider for the mobile device 102 originating the textmessage may be the provider Mobile1. Text-to-EGM server 122 may contactMobile One service provider 124 to determine whether or not funding maybe made by a charge to the user account associated with the phonenumber. Mobile service provider 124 may determine, based on preferences,credits, authorizations, or other suitable criteria, whether or not toaccept or deny the funding request to be charged to the account.Text-to-EGM server 122 may receive such an acceptance or denial of thecharge.

Text-to-EGM server 122 may inform mobile device 102 of the acceptance ordenial of the attempted funding from an external account. Text-to-EGMserver 122 may send commands, queries, or other requests for informationas illustrated in FIG. 2 to casino server 110.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example method 400 for handlingreal-time credit requests for an EGM via mobile device communications.

In step 405, instructions for conducting credit handling for an EGM byway of text messaging or other signals from a mobile device may beprovider to a user. In one embodiment, such instructions may bedisplayed on the EGM. Such instructions may be displayed statically,dynamically, or in any other suitable manner. The instructions mayinclude a identifier and a phone number to which the code is sent. Ashort code may be used as the phone number. The identifier and/or thephone number may identify the requested operation and a target EGM uponwhich the funding operation will happen. The instructions may include,for example, instructions for obtaining free or promotional credits foran EGM, funding wagering game play on an EGM from an account of theuser, or refunding unplayed credits on the EGM.

In step 410, the user may send a message containing the identifier tothe phone number, and the message may be received. Such a message may bea text message or the result of a text message. The text message may betranslated into an instruction or command corresponding into therequested operation and the target EGM. In step 415, the message may bedecoded to determine a requested operation. Such an operation maydetermined by, for example, determining it as embedded within themessage or by the phone number to which the message was sent. Therequested operation may include, for example, a request for promotionalcredits, a request to fund credits from an account, a pre-authorizedrequest for credits, or a defunding request.

In step 420, a targeted EGM for the requested operation may bedetermined. Such an EGM may be identified based upon, for example,information embedded within the message of by the phone number to whichthe message was sent.

In step 425, the requested operation on the target EGM may be handled.For example, the requested operation may include a funding request frompromotional credits for game play on an EGM, a funding request fromvarious funding accounts for game play on an EGM, or a defunding actionon an EGM. Step 425 may be implemented by, for example, methods 500,600, 700 of FIGS. 5-7. Step 425 may include sending informationregarding the EGM and/or requested action to a server managing one ormore EGMs.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example method 500 for handlingreal-time credit requests for an EGM via mobile device communicationsfor promotional game play. Method 500 may implement fully or in partstep 425 of FIG. 4. In step 505, it may be determined whether a receivedtext message includes a request for promotional game play. If not, thenthe method 500 may terminate.

If a received text message does include a request for promotional gameplay, then in step 510 a promotional game play offer may be determined.Such a determination may be made be, for example, determining for whichEGM the request is made and accessing records indicating promotionalplay available on the EGM. Accessing the records may be done on thebasis of, for example, an identifier contained in the text message orthe phone number to which the text message was sent. The recordsindicating available promotional play may include designations of anamount of promotional play available for the designated identifier orphone number.

In step 515, promotional game play policies may be determined. Suchpolicies may dictate parameters under which promotional game playcredits may be awarded or used. In one embodiment, the policies mayspecify a limit on the number of credits that may be awarded to anindividual user. The identity of the user may be designated by the phonenumber from which a text message originates. The limits may be given onany suitable basis, such as for a unit of time (such a daily, weekly, orpermanently) or for a given EGM or casino. For example, an individualmay be limited to receiving a one-hundred promotional credit once andonly once for play on any machine within an entire casino. In anotherexample, an individual may be allowed to receive the one-hundredpromotional credit once per month on any given participating EGM. Suchlimits may be adjusted according to marketing policies. In anotherembodiment,

In step 520, historical promotional game play may be determined.Historical promotional game play may include accessing records ofpreviously awarded or played promotional credits for a given user. Therecords may contain information regarding when previous promotionalawards have been made, as well as quantities and associated EGMS orcasinos.

In step 525, it may be determined whether the requested promotionalcredits are allowed under the determined policies, given the determinedhistorical use. If the requested promotional credit award would exceed apolicy, for example, for a given user, EGM, casino, or time period. Step525 may include determining whether promotional credits are offered onthe designated EGM. If the requested promotional credits are notallowed, then the method 500 may continue to step 540. If the requestedpromotional credits are allowed, then in step 530 the promotionalcredits may be sent to the EGM designated by the request and approved bychecking promotional policies. In step 535, information regarding therequestor of the promotional credits may be requested from, for example,the mobile service provider of the requestor and subsequently stored.Such information may be used to validate future requests for promotionalcredits, market to the requestor, or other suitable purposes. The methodmay terminate.

In step 540, if the requested promotional credits are not allowed, thena denial message may be sent to the requesting mobile device. The methodmay terminate.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example method 600 for handlingreal-time credit requests for an EGM via mobile device communicationsfor funding game play from a funding source. Method 600 may implementfully or in part step 425 of FIG. 4. In step 605, it may be determinedwhether a received text message includes a request for funding gameplay. If not, then the method 600 may terminate.

If a received text message does include a funding request, in step 610the amount of requested funding may be determined. Such an amount may bedetermined in any suitable manner. For example, a text message or thetranslated result thereof may be received from a mobile service providerfor which the mobile service provider has already authorized a prepaidfunding amount. The information received from the mobile serviceprovider may indicate the amount of funding as well as reconciliationinformation for obtaining reimbursement from the mobile serviceprovider. In another example, the message of a text message may indicatethe requested amount of funding. In yet another example, the number towhich a text message was sent may indicate the requested amount offunding.

In step 615, available accounts for a funding source may be determinedthrough any suitable manner. For example, the sender of the text messagemay have pre-registered and associated the mobile phone number withbank, credit, or mobile service accounts. By examining and looking upthe mobile phone number sending the text message in records, theassociated funding accounts may be determined.

In step 620, credentials associated with the request may be verified.The required credentials may have been determined by the user of themobile device upon registering the funding sources with the mobiledevice. Such credentials may include a hardware identifier of the mobiledevice sent with the text message, a personal identification numberincluded with the text message, or any other suitable mechanism. Thecredentials may include an authorization code or other identifier of acasino or EGM operator to verify the identity of the destination of thefunds. If the required credentials are not verified, the request may bedenied.

In step 625, funds may be withdrawn from the funding source. The fundsmay be in the form of currency. In step 630, the funds may be providedto the designated EGM for the user to play wagering games.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example method 700 for handlingreal-time refund requests for an EGM via mobile device communication.Method 700 may implement fully or in part step 425 of FIG. 4. In step705, it may be determined whether a received text message includes arequest for refunding game play. If not, then the method 700 mayterminate.

If a received text message does include a refund request, in step 710any promotional credit policies may be determined. The policies mayindicate how or whether any promotional credits may be refunded. Forexample, the policies may indicate that no promotional credits may berefunded. In another example, the promotional credits may be refundedfor play on another EGM but may not be refunded as cash.

In step 715, total credits remaining on the EGM may be determined. Thetotal credits may include promotional credits, credits won as a resultof wagering, and/or credits remaining that were drawn from a fundingsource. In step 720, promotional credits remaining on the EGM may bedetermined.

In step 725, a cash-out balance may be determined. The cash-out balancemay be determined by evaluating the total credits remaining in the EGMin view of the promotional credit policy. For example, if thepromotional credit policy requires that promotional credits are lostupon cash-out, then the cash-out balance may be determined to be thetotal credits remaining less the promotional credits remaining Inanother example, if the user has chosen to cash-out for play on anothermachine and the promotional credit policy allows promotional credits tobe transferred to another EGM, the cash-out balance may be determined tobe the total credits remaining In such an example, determining thecash-out balance may require determining whether a user has selected tocash-out at the EGM as discussed in step 735 below.

In step 730, it may be determined whether a cash-out will be made to theuser at the EGM. In one embodiment, the user may select a cash-outoption to receive the cash-out at the EGM by sending a specified textmessage to specified short code to cash out at the EGM. In anotherembodiment, the user may send a specified text message to specifiedshort code to cash out by returning funds to a funding source previouslyused to fund game play. In yet another embodiment, the refund option maybe determined by a default policy of the operator of the EGM.

If cash-out will be made to the user at the EGM, in step 735 thecash-out balance may be provided to a user at the EGM through anysuitable manner. For example, a voucher may be printed or issued to theuser that may be used to fund play at another EGM or receive funds at acashier. The method 700 may terminate.

If the cash-out is not to be made to the user at the EGM, in step 740the funding source of the credits may be determined. For example, playon the EGM may have been funded by drawing funds from a particularcredit, bank, or mobile service account. In step 745, the cash-outbalance may be added to the funding source. The method 700 mayterminate.

Methods 400, 500, 600, and 700 may be implemented using the system ofFIGS. 1-3, or any other system operable to implement methods 400, 500,600, and 700. As such, the preferred initialization point for methods400, 500, 600, and 700 and the order of its steps may depend on theimplementation chosen. In some embodiments, some steps may be optionallyomitted, repeated, or combined. In some embodiments, some steps ofmethods 400, 500, 600, and 700 may be executed in parallel with othersteps of methods 400, 500, 600, and 700. In certain embodiments, methods400, 500, 600, and 700 may be implemented partially or fully in softwareembodied in computer-readable media.

For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may includeany instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retaindata and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable mediamay include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct accessstorage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequentialaccess storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM,DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory; aswell as communications media such wires, optical fibers, and otherelectromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of theforegoing.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations canbe made hereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of thedisclosure as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method for funding wagering on an electronic gaming machine,comprising: receiving information from a text message, the informationincluding message content and a destination number; determining anelectronic gaming machine designated by the information; determining afunding action designated by the information, the funding actionassociated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gamingmachine; executing the funding action; and updating the available fundsfor wagering on the electronic gaming machine.
 2. The method of claim 1:wherein the funding action includes a request for promotional credits;and further comprising adding promotional credits for wagering to theelectronic gaming machine.
 3. The method of claim 1: wherein the fundingaction includes a request for funding from an external account; andfurther comprising: drawing funds from the external account; and addingpromotional credits for wagering to the electronic gaming machine. 4.The method of claim 1: wherein the funding action includes a request fora refund of credits available on the electronic gaming machine; andfurther comprising adding the credits from the electronic gaming machineto an external account.
 5. The method of claim 1: wherein the fundingaction includes a request for a refund of credits available on theelectronic gaming machine; and further comprising issuing a voucher to auser of the electronic gaming machine for the credits available.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the electronic gaming machine is designatedby a code texted to a phone number; and further comprising determiningthe electronic gaming machine comprises determining the code texted tothe phone number.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein: the electronicgaming machine is designated by the number to which the text message wassent; and further comprising determining the electronic gaming machinecomprises determining the phone number.
 8. A system for casino wagering,comprising: one or more servers communicatively coupled to one or moreelectronic gaming machines and to a mobile service provider; a processoron one of the servers coupled to a memory, the memory containinginstructions for causing the processor to: receive information from atext message, the information including message content and adestination number; determine an electronic gaming machine from the oneor more electronic gaming machines designated by the information;determine a funding action designated by the information, the fundingaction associated with funds available for wagering on the electronicgaming machine; execute the funding action; and update the availablefunds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine.
 9. The system ofclaim 8: wherein the funding action includes a request for promotionalcredits; and the processor is further caused to add promotional creditsfor wagering to the electronic gaming machine.
 10. The system of claim8: wherein the funding action includes a request for funding from anexternal account; and the processor is further caused to: draw fundsfrom the external account; and add promotional credits for wagering tothe electronic gaming machine.
 11. The system of claim 8: wherein thefunding action includes a request for a refund of credits available onthe electronic gaming machine; and the processor is further caused toadd the credits from the electronic gaming machine to an externalaccount.
 12. The system of claim 8: wherein the funding action includesa request for a refund of credits available on the electronic gamingmachine; and the processor is further caused to issue a voucher to auser of the electronic gaming machine for the credits available.
 13. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein: the electronic gaming machine is designatedby a code texted to a phone number; and the processor is further causedto determine the electronic gaming machine comprises determining thecode texted to the phone number.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein: theelectronic gaming machine is designated by the phone number to which themessage was sent; and the processor is further caused to determine theelectronic gaming machine comprises determining the phone number.
 15. Anarticle of manufacture, comprising: a computer readable medium; andcomputer-executable instructions carried on the computer readablemedium, the instructions readable by a processor, the instructions, whenread and executed, for causing the processor to: receiving informationfrom a text message, the information including message content and adestination number; determine an electronic gaming machine designated bythe information; determine a funding action designated by theinformation, the funding action associated with funds available forwagering on the electronic gaming machine; execute the funding action;and update the available funds for wagering on the electronic gamingmachine.
 16. The article of claim 15: wherein the funding actionincludes a request for promotional credits; and the processor is furthercaused to add promotional credits for wagering to the electronic gamingmachine.
 17. The article of claim 15: wherein the funding actionincludes a request for funding from an external account; and theprocessor is further caused to: draw funds from the external account;and add promotional credits for wagering to the electronic gamingmachine.
 18. The article of claim 15: wherein the funding actionincludes a request for a refund of credits available on the electronicgaming machine; and the processor is further caused to issue a voucherto a user of the electronic gaming machine for the credits available.19. The article of claim 15, wherein: the electronic gaming machine isdesignated by a code texted to a phone number; and determining theelectronic gaming machine comprises determining the code texted to thephone number.
 20. The article of claim 15, wherein: the electronicgaming machine is designated by the number to which the message wassent; and determining the electronic gaming machine comprisesdetermining the phone number.
 21. An electronic gaming machine,comprising: a display; one or more input controls; a memory; a processorcoupled to the memory; displayed instructions for obtaining free creditsfor wagering game play, the instructions comprising an identifier to besent to a number via a text message; the memory containing computerinstructions for causing the processor to: receive commands to providefree credits for wagering game play, the commands originating from atext message sent according to the displayed instructions; display thefree credits to a user of the electronic gaming machine; determine awager made on the electronic gaming machine through the input controls;deduct one or more of the free credits in response to the wager; andshow a wagering game on the display in response to the wager.
 22. Theelectronic gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the text message includesinformation designating the electronic gaming machine.
 23. Theelectronic gaming machine of claim 21, wherein the displayedinstructions are shown on the display.
 24. The electronic gaming machineof claim 21, wherein the processor is further caused to refund unwageredcredits in response to a refund request, the refund request originatingfrom a received text message designating the electronic gaming machine.